It may be an egg case from a praying mantis. It's really cool to watch them all come crawling out but I think it won't happen until spring. Maybe someone else will know.

I did see a HUGE Praying mantis in that area the other day... Thanks Christie! Have you seen one like it?

I think it's the big Asian Praying Mantis that has an egg case like that. They grow to be several inches long. I have found egg cases on the branches of my shrubs before. A LOT of babies will hatch out of that thing. I was worried that I'd have them all over my yard but I rarely see them. Maybe they all eat each other.

I believe you are right.. Mantis case it is.. very cool, I have seen 2 mantis this year.. now one egg case... Thanks so much!